Shawn Hartwell Jr. (photo courtesy of the Union County Prosecutor's Office)
ROSELLE – A 23-year-old Elizabeth man who is a self-admitted gang member has been arrested in connection with a murder that happened in Roselle last week, authorities announced yesterday.
Shawn Hartwell Jr., also known as “Tru,” is charged with the murder of Linden resident Montua McCloud, which occurred around midnight on Thursday in the area of 1134 Warren Street. The arrest came after authorities recovered ample evidence at the scene and performed various analysis, according to Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Hartwell is a known member of the Dirt Gang Set of the Crips street gang. Judge Frederic McDaniel set Hartwell’s bail at $2 million, cash only. He was being held at Union County Jail.
Romankow credited the efforts of the Roselle Police Department, the Elizabeth Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s ID Unit, Union County Forensic Lab, Union County Police Ballistics Unit and the every member of the Union County Homicide Task Force.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, Hartwell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
